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THE PILGRIMS 



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MELODRAMA IN THREE ACTS 



By REV. JOSEPH KOVALCHIK 

558 Bostwick Avenue 
BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT 



For manvisci'ipt only 

Copyright. 1920 

All rights reserved 



Bridgeport Press, GOG Bostwick Ave. Bridgeport. 



i i 



THE PILGRIMS'' 



MELODRAMA IN 3 ACTS. 



By Rev. JOSEPH KOVALCHIK 



DEDICATED: 

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE MOST REVEREND 

JOHN BONZANO D. D, 

ARCHBISHOP OF MILITENE 
APOSTOLIC EELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
OF AMERICA. 

With hiofhest expression of esteem 

Yours obedient servant: 

Rev. JOSEPH KOVALCHIK 



No. 297 , 

1919^ V^ 

NIHIL OBSTAT. 

IMPRIMATUR. 

Landsford, Pa. 26, November 1919. 

GABRIEL MART YAK 

EicecGsan adminisl-rator of the g-i-eek-catholics of the U. S. A. 



CHARACTERS: 

Valentine: youthful robber. 
Maroaret: orphan girl. 
Sigfried: captain of the robbers. 
Sepi : chief guard of the treasure chest. 
Mefisto. 

Sakter: the cook. 
Martha: a blind old woman. 
Fortune-teller. 
Louis, the king. 
The priest. 
The holy Mother. 
Old beggar. 
Sweetmeat-vender. 
Circus-crier. 
Town drummer. 
Hangman. 
*olices, robbers, beggars, children, old peasants, etc. 

Time: 14. Century. 



m\i 16 1920 



"THE PILGRIMS" 

MELODRAMA IN 3 ACTS. 



By Rev. JOSEPH KOVALCHIK 

ACT ONE. 

The action in the first act takes place in the midst of a deep 
v.ccd. The background portrays steep cliffs and centuries-old 
trees.' On one side is found a projecting cliff well-covered with 
bushes, making- an appropriate hiding-place. Between the wings 
on one side should be a continuation of a path leading down from 
the mountain. 

SCENE 1. 

The orchestra plays an o!d Styrian air for the opening, while 

the curtain rises slowly. 

VALENTINE : (A youthful robber, standing on a mountain 

peak) . 

How lonely is a robber's life, 

Tho he lives in the green woods free, 

He owns no mother, sv/eetheart, wife, 

Cruel his fate, as cruel can be ; 

Love he knows not, from whom to learn 

Mountain his home, his roof the skies, 

For love he dreams, for love he yearns. 

For love's embrace his sad heart cries 

Loved by no man, a hunted beast, 
I too leve not, my heart's a stone, ^ 

For me they hunt, both west and east 
Come one, come all, fear I have none; — 
And yet a strange, a holy feeling 
Across my heart steals softly thru. 
Before my mother I seem a-kneeling. 
Ah, lonesome heart, were this but true ! 

Ah, yes, a robber's life is a lonesome life ! Here I must stand 
on this mountain peak to look out for possible prey. It is my duty 
to lead the innocent victims to the knife. And how often is my 



THE PILGRIMS 



heart moved within me upon hearing the victims' cries of 
"Mercy!" But what could I do? Should I protest, I too will be 
killed. My comrades will stop at nothing-. How happy that sneak- 
ing Mephisto would be to be to see me strung; up. He would walk 
around me and grin — and tease the captain for trusting me 
instead of him. But no, I will make no such sacrifice for him. let 
come what may. 

Yet I cannot understand why everyone who passes by this 
spot, stops to rest and to humbly ask something of this picture. 
What can it be? 

I saw an old women here yesterday picking- wood and crying 
bitterly. I didn't disturb her seemed greatly troubled. What does 
this picture portray to her? Perhaps her husband, or some re- 
lative lies buried there. (He steps off the peak, goes before the 
crucifix and scrutinizes it). 

Oh marvellous ! He dosen't seem different — and yet he does. 
His side is pierced, his hands are nailed, his head is covered with 
blood, his legs nailed too. Oh, it is terrible I He must have fallen 
into robbers' hands, and my own companions may have nailed 
him to this tree. He must be buried here ; Is that why that poor 
woman comes here and ci'ies. I am frightened ... I tremble .... 
Why must I be a robber? Others live together peacefully, while 
we are hiding in the woods ? 

Why must we always hide ? I cannot understand . . . ! It is 
because we are robbers ! Our Captain tells us we are the world's 
handsomest men — and yet we have no sweethearts. I don't under- 
stand, I don't understand. It is because we are so handsome and so 
brave, the women fear to approach us? And then our Captain 
cautions us, "Boys, we have but one enemy whom we must feai' 
and avoid, it is Women !" And yet, I don't think women are so 
ugly! 

But I will cover this man who has suffered so much, with 
cool branches, so that he will not be annoyed by the stings of the 
mountains flies . . . But what are the voices I hear ? Quikly to my 
hiding place ! for I must be an guard ! I will listen, and if there be 
any booty then to-night we will have a good supper and good 
cheer. 

SCENE II. 

MARGARET: (young girl) 

Red strawben-ies for supper I gather, 
trala lala la la la, 



THE PILGRIMS 



While gayly the fragTant woods I roam 

trala lala al la la 
Tho to remain here I would rather, 

trala lala la la la, 
With filled basket must hurry home 

trala lala la la la. 

OR: 

Picking- sweet stra\^'berries here and there, 

here and there, here and there. 
Flitting thru fields and woods anywhere, 

anywhere, anywhere, 
O'er flowery path tripping to echo's clear ringing, 

thru the air. 

Oh look, a great big strawberry — and here a four-leaf clover'. 
I have never teen to this spot before. I've been told not to come 
because there are many poisonous snakes in the grass, but if I 
see a snake I shall run away. I shall pick a few more ben-ies and 
then run home. 

VALENTINE : 

What a pretty child! Must we fear creatures like this? Our 
Captain must be a coward to be frightened by such folks. Let me 
approach the dreaded enemy ! (To Margaret) Tell me. little dove, 
what do you seek in this great woods which even the birds avoid ? 
I am not afraid of you. Not I ! no indeed, I'am not afraid ! 

MARGARET : (frightened) 

But I am afraid of you, because 3^ou have a gun and a knife 
at your side. I am frightened — oh so frightened ! 

VALENTINE : 

This is great ! Our Captain warns us to fear women and lo 
ard behold ! They ai'e afraid of us. Be brave, my boy as brave as 
your were at the Carinthain Fair where you beat up eight const- 
ables single-handed. Woman! don't move, or I will shoot! 

MARGARET : 

I am not a women. I-Iam a girl, I won't move. Dare move 
either. I am not afraid of you or your weapons. (Aside) He is a 
coward, for a moment ago he was feared me. 

VALENTINE: 

Curses! I afraid of you! Look here! (He draws his knife) 
See this ! You are as good as a dead if you move ! 



THE PILGRIMS 



MARGARET: 

Aha! I will move! What? Afraid of you? (Goes to youth 
coaxingly) Tell me, is it right to scare a little girl like me ? Who- 
ever heard of heroes such as you, terrorizing little girls? Put 
that knife back into your belt. (Taking his hand which holds the 
knife, she gently forces him to place knife back into his belt.) 
There, now we can talk. 

VALENTINE : 

Think of it — ^this little mite to disarm me without the use of 
a weapon. I never saw such a thing. But it is also true that I 
never saw a prittier little elf-elf than this. Well, Captain, we will 
see wheter you told the truth or hot, for this little 'one is not 
so frightful after all. 

Well, women, what do you want of me? Speak quickly, for 
this time it will not be my knife but my gun, that I will point at. 
you woe be to you, if you move! 

MARGARET: 

I am not a women, you idiot ! Can t you see that I am a young 
girl ? I thought I was speaking to a gentleman, but I find him a 
stupid animal. If I dare to move . . . Wait, you grizzly bear, it is 
you who will move in a hurry, and dance, too. I will make this 
bear dance ! That I will ! 

VALENTINE: 

A girl ! Then she isn't a woman ! Oh, then there is no danger, 
for our Captain told us to beware of woman. What in tarnation 
is a girl ? I will investigate, but carefully cautiously, or I may spoil 
it all. Now to question this woman, that is, girl, because I want 
to know what a girl is! 

DUETT: 
VALENTINE: 

Tell me please what a girl is, 
Don't conceal what a girl is! 

MARGARET: 

A girl is everything nice, 

Heaven's gift straight from the skies, 

A soul-mate from above sent, 

Comfor when joy is spent. 

Sharing sorrow, easing pain, 

Rainbow coming after rain. . . . Repeat. 



THE PILGRIMS 



MARGARET: 

Now my turn it is to know, 
About women what you know. 

VALENTINE : 

Women is like Autumn day; 

Light that slowly fades away 

Peasing- Spring, approaching fall, 

Gentle loving true and all. 
Another's true mate is she, 
Do not rob her, let her be. . . (Repeat) 

MARGARET: 

I think he knows now that I am not a woman. 

VALENTINE : 

Of course, of course. And so I am not afraid of you, for out- 
side of this dark woods I have nobody, . . . neither mother or 
father, nor friends in life. I have only companions who do not 
desire friends, nor wives. But I do ! I would like to have a friend 
who would share my troubles with me, who would not be angry 
with me, like my companions, they do not know what love is, 
for they have never loved anything but this woods. . . this dark, 
dreary woods. I would like such a friend, but who would be such 
a friend to a poor, lonesome boy like me ? 

MARGARET: 

Oh, you can have friends too! Seek the Madonna, our good 
Mother, who knows everyone, and loves us, because she is our 
good Mother. Listen, she is calling now. Dont you hear the eve- 
ning bell ? That is her voice calling us. See ! I will ask her to send 
me a good friend too, a real friend. \ 

HYMN. (Margaret) 
Holy Mother, Virgin Mary, 
Look down on us from Heaven we plead, 
Upon our knees we pray to Thee 
Our humble plea we beg thee heed. 
Ave Maria, gratia plena, 
Dominus Tecum, Ave Maria. 
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, 
Et Benedictus fructus ventris tui Jesus, 
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis, 
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis. Amen. 



THE PILGRIMS 



VALENTINE : 

Oh, how beautiful your plea is. Behold, I will also plead with 
you. 

DUETT: 

Holy Mother, etc. 

MARGARET: 

It is getting late, I must go. I live in the nearest charcoal 
biumer's house. If you care to, you may come to see me; my 
dear mother will not be angry. You are not so fearful as I thought, 
in fact, you are sturdy fellow. Well goodbye, till we meet again. 
Till we meet again . . . 

SCENE m. 
WALENTINE : (muttering to himself) I feel so strange . . . 
1 feel we're different, as if I were another person. . . (In the (-.is-- 
tance is heard the robbers' signal) 

VALENTINE : 

I hear the captain's voice. 

SIGFRIED: (Captain of the robbers) 

SONG OF THE CUCKOO) 

Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo (echo — cuckoo cuckoo 

Well boys, how do you do ? (echo) — you do — you do 
(Robbers arriving from all sides, singing) 

No chance for booty we found 

Not a soul today has tee round ; 

Let's pitch our tents for sleep 

To-morrow fresh vigil we'll keep. 
Refrain : 

Let's pitch our tents, etc. 

SIGFRIED : 

Well, Valentine, my son, why are you so sad? Because we 
found no booty to-day? That is nothing! that has happened be- 
fore and is sure to happen again. Supper will soon be ready an . 
with wine and sorg, we will forget to-day. I like you more than 
anything else in the world. I don't like to see you worry. 

VALENTINE : 

Tell me please. Captain, who were my father and mother ! 

SIGFRIED: (alai-med) 

Father . . . mother ? I don't know. We found you and brought 



THE PILGRIMS 



you along- with us . . . since then you have belonged to us. But 
why are you so anxious to know about your father and mother? 
We have no fathers nor mothers ; the field and woods are our 
homes, the green grass is our bed, the flowers our pillows. . . 
could anyone wish for a happier life? There is no better life then 
the robber's life. 

MEFISTO : (who had been listening-) 

Ho ho ! Captain ! Don't be so gay ! Don't forget that we have 
returned to-day with emty sacks, and eat we must. Lately you 
haven't paid much attention to our profession. I blieve you are 
stalling. Oh, things aren't like they used to be in the good old 
days . . . when to the tune of joyful music we surrounded and 
robbed the G . . . . convent ! But we were in a fine fix next day ! 

SEPI: (Chief guard of the treasure chest:) 

You said something, old boy! There the monks cooked our 
supper and we ate in grand style. We drank their good wines. . . 
and all that church treasure — Whew! There was so much gold 
that two horses could hardly carry it ! 

MEFISTO: 

You sure did show us what you knew there ... we were al- 
most caught with the goods because of your cleverness. If it 
wasn't for me, we would all have been marching with a bal and 
chain around our ankles. But I had sense enough to bring the 
G ..... . goldsmith along, who melted the gold for us so that it 

couldn't be recognized. There's brains, here, Sepi, old boy! 

SEPI: 

Your head is full of sawdust, not brains! How about the 
time we robbed the Jew, din't I save your Captain and tlie whole 
band? You din't understand Jewish tricks. Do you remember 
when he said, "Brave gentlemen, there is only one thing I ask 
of you, let me see my wife and children just once again. Take 
me to them or bring them here to see me." "Woldn't that be 
fine", said the Captain. But we will lead you to your wife." And 
friend Jew kept "oj-oj-ing" until we found ouselves sur- 
rounded by the police. He prayed his son out of the window 
and he brought the police on us. Just let me catch another Jew — 
I assuare you he'll never pray again. A little while ago it was this 
kid, Valentine, prevented me from sending one of them to King- 
dom Come. But he's only a kid, so I am not suprised. 



10 THE PTLGRTMS 



MEFISTO: 

He's a child no more, but a full-grown man. I can't stand 
the kid because he has the Captain in his power. For quite a 
while now, our Captain has paid no attention to business at all. 
and you know that our business is the most important thing- in 
the world to us, for them there is always something good 
cooking in the cauldron. Isn't that soy friend Sakter? You must 
hand it to Sakter here, he is a great ooock, he knows all abaout 
kitchen work. 

COUPLET: 

SAKTER : 

What shal I cook to-day, no food have we here, 

A hungry mob,captain, before you does appear! 
To our business then, boys, rob where rob we can, 
To keep this pot boiling, will strive every man. 

MEFISTO: 

Our business is to rob, our pleasure too, this; 
To make men tremble, ah ! And for mercy cry. 
To hear them curse ! Ha, ha ! True delight that is. 
If us they should resis-t, for then they must die. 

SEPI: 

Love, happiness, what rot, for these some men sigh. 
Girls, women, the whole sex, you know how they lie. 
Our business let's attend — let women alone 
Else we will have to eat, not even a tone. 

VALENTINE : 

Women's love, or maid's love means so much to me 
'Twould be my joy, my wealth, my life it would be. 
To be loved by a women, I've heard often tell 
Is to taste here on earth, either heav'n or hell. 

SIGFRIED : (Sings last two lines, "To be loved by women 
etc. with Valentine). 

How true it is! Valentine, you will taste either heaven or 
hell right here on earth if you ever come accross the love of a 
women. I wish I had never learned what love is ! I wish I had 
set eyes on a woman. Then I would not be here among you. 

Oh, but Tarn, ^ct soft I have no more feelings. I am a 
wild warrior of the woods, men fear me and tremble before 
me. . . just as I too fear all men! 



THE PILGRIMS 11 



MEFISTO: (To Sepi) 

Didn't I tell you that the captain went crazy ? Goodbye, good 
old times ! The old man has turned soft. But as for me ... I 
only like the sight of blood . . . blood brrrrr ! ! ! 

SEPI: 

If it's blood you like, eat blood pudding. 

MEFISTO: 

Blood pudding? Alright. I'll eat blood pudding! But of whose 
blood it will be made. I know not. I feel like fighting, killing, mus- 
sing up everj^thing. 

SAKTER: 

Why don't you join the army? 

VALENTINE : 

I would suggest the made-house. 

MEFISTO: 

What did you say, Kid ! You'll die for it. Let me at your bel- 
ly so that I can pull our your insides. 

SEPI: 

Well, you don't have to be a tiger. It takes two to make a 
bargain. 

MEFISTO: 

Two . . . I'll show you. (Draws dagger) Die, you damned 
suckling. Die our Captain's evil spirit. . . (Others grab him. . . 
The Captain awakens because of the commotion.) 

SIGFRIED: ^ 

Well, what's up? Do you want to start a fight? Don't you 
have enough fighting in the woods? What! you want to stab 
one another? Well, this is a nice piece of work, I must admit. 

MEFISTO: ;" 

Valentine sent me to the mad-house. '^ 

SAKTER: "-f 

Well, he couldn't send you to God's house. 

MEFISTO: 

Well, I might as well go there. Here we can't fight — there's 
no one to plunder. To-morrow the pilgrimage to Maria Cell begins. 



12 THE PILGRIMS 



Captain, here's your chance to show us whether you are the fel- 
low you were, or a cowardly old voman. Boys, do we go to the 
shrine ? 



ALTOGETHER: Wo do. 



VALENTINE: (To Sigfried,) 

But we are not going to commit murders there too? Why, 
there will be girls there, not only women! Idon't want to harm 
girls. I am against going to the Cell shrine! Come on, Mefisto, 
old pal, let's call it off! 

ALTOGETHER : We are going to the Cell shrine ! 

SIGFRIED: 

I don't like to harni women and girls, either, let us find some 
other kind of work to do, 

ALTOGETHER : We want to go to the Cell shrine. 

MEFISTO: 

You see. Captain, it is a pity to make so many enemies for 
yourself just for this kid. Boys! Either our Captain comes along, 
or we choose another, a man for our Captain ! 

SIGFRIED : 

Wait! You don't have to choose another. I will go with you 
so that you can't say that your Captain is a cowardly dog. It is 
settled. Now for the feast, let's have a gay old time and mark 
it is not cowardice but decency that makes me look upon the rob- 
bing of the pilgrims so wrong. Squat down and fall to eating, 
tap two barrels of wine, let us a night of it. Who knows whether 
we shall ever have another. 

SCENE IV. 

(Scene shows robbers feasting, eating, drinking) 

VALENTINE: (Off to one side) Captain, I have never seen 
you so sad. Tell me what is troubling you ? 

SIGFRIED: 

I will tell you my heart's innermost secret, if vou wish to 
hear it, but do not think me a coward because no man's son has 
ever been able to cope with these strong arms. 



THE PILGRIIMS l:i 



MUSIC... SIGFRIED'S SOLO. 

When in my mother's loving- aiTns I lay 
As little bird in downy feathered nest, 

With a voice sweet and low a prayer she'd say, 
To a heavenly Mother to guard my rest. 

The prayers she taught me so long ago 
Are but sweet holy memory now 
I was told to hold my little hands so 
And with her my little head I would bow. 

But mother died and let me here alone, 
My poor broken heart for love fiercely j^earned 
A wicked woman claimed me for her own, 
The agony of such love I soon learned. 

I was her fool, a meek obedient slave, 

For her embrace, my foolish heart did crave. 

Her cruel lips mocked love with things she muttered 

She, the only woman I ever murdered. 

VALENTIE : 

That was a horrible experience. I don't wonder that now you 
detest all womankind. No wonder you warned the boys to fear 
no one but women. And yet, such is life, to-day you meet your 
fate, to-morrow it is my tuni. Let us not worry, but wait for the 
to-morrow. 

SIGFRIED: 

No indeed, don't you worry, but my God protect you from 
women. 

VALENTINE : \ 

Who is this God who could protect me from women ? 

SIGFRIED : 

My son, we are not worthy to mention his name, because he 
is holy and powerful. Every man is his subject. We can not fight 
him. 

VALENTINE: 

Then may God protect me. Yes, he must protect me, because 
I am beginning to fear something. 

SIGFRIED : 

Never fear, but remain alert. And, in order to put your 



14 THE PILGRIMS 



bravery to the test, I will appoint you guard to-night, for you 
can see, these others are all di-unk. Good-night, my son, 

VALENTINE: 

Good-night, Captain! 

( Evening serenade. . . music and robber's lullaby.) 

The woods inery silence rests. 
Hiding our secret dark and drear, 
The birds are huddled in their nests, 
Grim spirits flying ever near. 

We feel them flitting past our face, 
Our limbs grow weak, our blood turns cold, 
We tremble from their cold embrace; 
Are we the robbers brave and bold? 

Soon sleep closed our weary eye, 

Into sweet forgetfulness we fall, 

While overhead the night birds fly. 

And the screech owl gives his gruesome call. 

VALENTINE: 

It is frightfull : To heve to keep guard alone in the midst of 
a dark dreary woods. Ouch, the crows peck at my tired body, and 
sorrow fills my soul. No, no, I will not have the women and child- 
ren murdered. Oh, God, you who are so powerful, give me light. 
What shal I do? Oh, you beautiful woman, Madonna, to whom 
Margarett and I prayed — speak, speak tell me what to do to pre- 
vent this wholesale slaughter. (Last verse of robbers' lullalaby is 
repeated here). God is just, one cannot desert him. I will go. . . 
I will go to Margaret ... I will meet the pilgrims, I will warn the 
police, I will ga to you my Margaret, you advise me what to do. 
What am I to do? 

My concience has awakened in me. 
Thru my love for a maiden sweet ; 
Oh, Heavenly Father, speak to me, 
You, too Bles't Mother, I entreat. 

(Slowly, carefully, he steals out from the robber's camp, 
looks about guardely, spits upon Mefisto (who is sliping) and 
disappears.) 

Curtain drops to the tune of suft slow music. 

END OF THE FIRST ACT. 



^ THE PILGRIMS 16 

ACT TWO. 

SCENE I. 

(Scene: A cross-road in the woods. On one side there is the 
picture of the Madonna placed in a tree-trunk ... on the other 
side there is a simple wooden hut showing a door and a window. 
The roads lead from the backgrounds and meet in a V shape at 
the center Lack of the stage.) 

Upon the rise of the curtain, one finds the stage filled 
wi'di gi-oup of prigrims and children 

PILGRIM'S SONG. 
CHILDREN'S CHORUS: 

The sun has risen on the Pilgrim's starting day, 

We all travel forth, children, youths, folks old and gray. 

Gifts we take to Mary, and childish wishes too, 

The lirds sing on our way as the woods we pass thru. 

YOUTHS' AND MAIDENS CHOURS. 

Girls and youths also bring their request to Mary 
Year in, and year out, these requests never vary. 
Our hearts it is we bring before thee, oh mother ! 
In exchange for it, give us love for each other. 

OLD PEASANTS CHORUS: 

Our desires and pleadings, more serious are they, 
For our children's happiness, we will ever pray ; 
Bless and protect and love our families great and small, 
And guide their steps to know and love thee, each 
and all. 

(All the Piligrims kneeling in front of the Madotma.) 
Oh, Holy Mother, Virgin Mary, etc 

(Slowly procession moves off stage, while singing gets 
softer and finally dies in the distance.) 

SCENE II. 

MARTHA: A blind, old woman). 

Oh, God, how divinely the Pilgrims sang, and I cannot go 
along with them because I am blind ! Come out, Margaret, my 
daughter, and if we can't go to the shrine, at least we can pray 
before the Madonna's face. 



16 THE PILGRi:HS 



MARGARET: 

Yes. mother dear, at least we can pray to her. 

MARTHA: (bhnd prayer.) 

Eternal darkness is very hard to bear, 
But my faith in God gives me strength not to despair; 
How many wicked people enjoying blessed sight, 
Deny Eternal Goodness and our Father's might. 
Tho my darkened eyes cannot see your smiling face, 
Your sun-lit eyes, your ruddy cheeks, your girlish 

grace, 
I know you're innocent and pure as pure can be. 
I pray God 'twill be so for all eternity. 

MARGARET: 

Mother mine, Precious jewel, let me travel too. 
Angles will guide my footsteps and your blessing true. 

REFRAIN : 

To God's Holy Mother fervently I will pray; 

That once again you shall see -the light of blessed day.. 

MARTHA: 

But my dear child, the pilgrims are well along their way bj 
now, and I can't let you go thru the deep woods alone! Suppose 
you are killed or lost, what will becom.e of me and your little 
brothers and sisters ? No, no, my child, no one would demand such 
a sacrifice of you, just you stay always with me, and never, ne- 
ver leave me. 

MARGARET: 

But mama dear, I have been thru the woods before and not 
I, but a tall man was frightened by me. He was as big as a bear 
and still I wasn't afraid of him, although he had a knife and 
a gun too. He told me that he was an orphan, he had no one in 
all the world, he had no friend and he would be so happy if he 
found a friend such as I. Never worry, mother mine, I am a 
1 v-1-n oiil^ I am not afraid of my shadow, and then I am a swift 
runner. 

MARTHA: 

Very well then, my child, you may have your wish and may 
God's blessings accompany you. But first go inside. Kiss your 
little brothers and sisters and put on your Sunday clothes before 



THE PILGRIMS 17 



you set off. Do not stop to talk to anyone. And fear all men be- 
cause men are really frightful beings. If someone wants to stop 
and talk to you, run away. Well, let us go inside. . . 

SCENE III. 

VALENTINE : 

My Margarat must live in this little hut for this is the 
charcoal burner's house. I will see if she is here. (Taps on window 
of hut.) 

MARGARET :, 

Oh, it is you ! I didn't expect that you would come to me so 
soon! Do you not fear anymore? Aren't you afraid of me? Well, 
we shal see. 

Mother, mother, come out here please and meet the young- 
man that I met in the woods, of whom I was not afraid. But he 
was afraid of me for he was of the opinion that "Woman should 
bo fG2rod." 

MARTHA : 

Welcome to our hcm.e. my young friend. I am very glad that 
a 2:o-d friend of my daughter's has come to visit us. But come 
closer, for, as you see, my eyes have given up their services 
already. I can or.ly judge a good man if he comes very close to 
me. There! I can 'tell you are a good man because you come 
trusti;7gly to me and you don't draw back. The feeling of your 
head and hair make a favorable impression on me. 

Now tell me, are you accustomed to pray? Do you go to 
church ? Have j^ou parents ? 

VALENTINE: 

Gracious lady, or better yet, good mother, you ask if I am 
accostumed to pray ... I grew up an orphan, I never knew my 
father or mother. I picture my mother to look like you, good 
woman, and the only prayer I know is one that had been taught 
me by a charming girl, whom I thank for her kindness. This 
prayer is continually on my lips and in my heart. Forever rings 
the sweet voice that first sang it to me. I shall never forget it, 
for she, of whom the prayer speaks, She too is a mother, our 
Mother. 

Prayer : "Holy mother. Virgin Mary, etc ..." 



18 THE PILGRIMS 



MARTHA: 

Why, that is your prayer, isn't it, my daughter? 

Trio: ''Holy mother, Virgin Mary, etc. . ." 

VALENTINE : 

This is my first and most beautiful prayer, and I would like 
to die to the tune of this prayer. 

MARTHA: 

Children, I will go to pick some wild fruit for you. Enjoy 
yourselves, I know that young people always have something to 
say to one another. 

VALENTINE : 

Do not bother, good mother, because I must hurry away, but 
when I finish my task, I will come back and then perhaps I will 
never, never go away from here. 

MARTHA: 

If duty calls you, go, my son! My house will always be 
open to you. 

(Exit Martha.) 

MARGARET: 

But, my dear friend, you have just come and you want to 
leave us already? I wonder why? Have you tired of us? 

VALENTINE: 

No, dear Margaret, I am hastened b}'^ a holy duty, for if I 
should be too late . , . Oh, God forbid ... a terrible thing will hap- 
pen. So do not bid me stay to-day. I would stay here indefinitely 
— always, but not now. I leave now, so that I won't be late. But, 
Margaret mine, since you have taught me to pray, since you have 
taught me to believe, teach me to hope too, for I cannot live 
without you. 

MARGARET: 

You may hope and now you must go to fulfill your holy 
duty, I shall never, never forget you. 

(Exit Valentine. — Margaret enter house.) 

SCENE IV. 
SIGFRIED: 

This will he the most suitable hiding place. In vain, I tried 
to avoid this day ... it could not be done. That damned Mef isto 



THE PILGRIMS 19 



would want the boj's to revolt against me . . . Yet I feel that it 
will be hot for me to-day ! My intuition has never deceived me. 

But what is this ? . . . The face of the Madonna ! The Madon- 
na ! All of us are in for it now. We chose the worst spot for the 
robbery. Well, you certainly made a nice job of this, Mefisto. 

For the sake of those childhood memories of my mother's 
pious teachings, of Madonna, forgive me. I am not at fault. . . 
Not for this hellish deed. You can read my soul and see for your- 
self. So that my bad band cannot see your face, I shall cover you, 
do not look at the dreathful crimes we are about to commit. Now 
I'll call the crowd. 

CUCKOO SONG. Cuckoo, cuckoo, etc. . . 

SCENE V. 

(Robbers altogether join in cuckoo song, which they sing as 

they enter ) 

SIGFRIED: 

Forward, bold robbers, gayly, bravely. 
There is nothing here which we must fear. 

Fortune awaits him, who daring will be ; 

Sure death will be his, who fear shows here. 

Chorus : 
A true robber bold, always takes a chance. 
Fear to him unknown, to true robber bold, 
Death woult never own a true robber bold, 
a time robber bold. 

SIGFRIED: 

Boys, I'am not superstitious, but I feel that we ought to 
choose another spot to attack the pilgrims, for my intuition 
scents danger. 

MEFISTO: 

Captain, you are acting childish again. You have become an 
old women who believes in witchcraft! Yon ought to be ashamed. 
I declare, we have a fine leader in you! Superstitious, childish, 
an never accepts good advice. You were left in the lurch 
lastnight too, by your favorite! Valentine disappeared, 
leaving this honorable band and the Captain flat. But didn't I 
say you would find out some day who Valentine really was ? I 
suppose he's working for himself, or else he is going to betray us. 



?!0 THE PILGRIMS 



SIGFRIED : 

Valentine would not do such a thing. . . No, no. 

MEFISTO: 

Perhaps it is done. But what care I. One thing is suio, tlic 
Pilgrims of Cell cannot avoid meeting us. Their goose is cooked. I 
shall stick my dagger into the heart of the first one of them I 
spy ! I'll show you that I'm not chicken hearted ! 

SIGFRIED : 

Enough of that stupid talk, don't jibber- jabber so much 
Now to find your places. 

You, Sepi, go to the nearest village and find out when the 
procession will start. Forward, march! The rest of you will ar- 
range you}"selves in the following order: 

The second group will go to the left, and hide behind the 
bushes. When Sepi comes back, I shall whistle the signal and 
then you will attack the Pilgrims from every side. 

The second group will go to the left and hide behind the 
trees, and we will wait for Sepi's announcement in back. Every 
man to his place! 

MEFISTO: 

Captain, before we start the game, wouldn't you give the 
gang a little courage juice? You know, we will be in a better 
frame of mind and then, we need a little acouragement. 

SIGFRIED: 

Why, just now you were the bravest in the lot and you are 
in need of encouragement already! Dio you want to encourage 
your throat or your knife ? Well, let it be, each may have a swig 
of whiskey, but no more, and then to work, 

WHISKEY SONG. 
MEFISTO : 

Good courage, juice in a fat jug, 

grug, grug, grug, grug; 
Makes me feel like a lightning bug, 

bug, bug, bug, bug, bug bug ; 
My eyes glitter, my big head spins, 

ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha, 
I see all sorts of strange, strange,, things 
la, la, la, la, la, la. 



THE P1I.GRTMS 21 



On my feet I can scarcely stand, 

he heh he heh he ; 
I see pink snakes wound 'round my hands, 

ne ne ne, ne ne ne; 
Woman and wine are not lor me, 
(not for me, not for me) 
no no no, no no no; 
'Tis whiskey makes a reg'lar spree, 
whiskey for me, whiskey for me. 
(All robbers exeunt behind the scenes) 

SCENE VI. 
Margaret and Martha enter together) 

MARTHA : 

Goodbye, my child and God bless you. (Wiping eyes, she 
goes back). 

MARGARET : (Walks slowly to center stage, singing the 

prayer to the Madonna. At the same time, there is a shrill 

whistle and Sepi rushes into the stage from the right — the other 

robbers from the left, and the surround the frightened girl. 

Music and singing stops.) 

SEPI: 
Captain, I wish to announce that we have bean Lricked ; the 
Pilgrims departed yesterday, and have already reached Cell. I 
waited for a long time, and then tired of waiting, I sneaked into 
the village and there learned that they have set off laden with 
many gifts, and so we are left outwitted. You bet!! 
SIGFRIED : 
That cannot be true, for the celebration only takes place to- 
morrow ! 

SEPI: 
But 't is ^'^•1'=' nVi. what P- swatr w^e missed! 

MEFISTO: 
We can thank Valentme lor mis. rie wiii maKe ii noi for us 
too. I suppose he will even bring the police onto us. But who's 
this girl? And say, but she's pretty. . . ha ha ha. 

SIGFRIED : 

Bring the girl before me. Where are you going, Miss ? 



THE PILGRIMS 



MARGARET: 

To the shrine at Cell. 

SIGFRIED : 

Where ? Did I hear allright ?Then we can have a hope, perhaps 

they have not started. If the girl is just preparing to go, then 

it is very likely that they are following on. It wil be well to 

question the girl, and if they have really gone, we will make 

them dance to our fiddle on their way back. 

Why don't you go with the others pilgrims? It is much 
pleasanter travelling in company. Besides, it is not advisable to 
travel alone thru so deep a woods ! We are worthy men, you need 
not fear us. Speak boldly. 

Did you see the pilgrims go by this way ? We want to pro- 
tect them against robbers, for, you know, this woods have many 
robber camps in them. You will be doing us both a worthy 
service, if you answer the following questions concerning them. 
Do they go in large numbers ? Do they take gifts to the Virgin ? 

MARGARET: 

Yes, I will tell you. Yesterday I was out with my blind 
mother as they went by, praying and singing beautiful hymns. 

We joined in singing. I wanted to go too, and ask the wonder- 
working Virgin to restore my mother's sight. 

Everyone takes gifts, and there yiou meet men from all 
stations of life, even kings are at the shrine at Cell ! I was there 
once before and I shall never forget the day, when our king and 
his court entered the church. There you can find everything. 
Around the church are all sorts of displays, tents In which thej' 

have refreshments, fortune-tellers and other things. I would not 
say the pilgrims carry guns because they do not go to the shrine 
to fight, but to pray. 

The people there are so good and kind that they would 
touch no one, and no one would harm them. 

MEFISTO : 

Well, this plan was nothing. What fools we were ! But that 

damned, infernal Valentine is t6 blame for it all. Oh, if I ever 

get him in my clutches I will make him remember the Cell 

pilgrimage to his dying day. I want to drink blood ... to murder 

someone . . . 



THE PILGRIMS 36 



SIGFRIED: 

Tell me, my child, what gift you are taking to Mary, since 
you are going there? 

MARGARET: 
What can a poor girl like me take ? I am taking nothing but 
my lovinjg^ heart, which I wish to give her as a gift. 

SIGFRIED: 

And do you think the Virgin Mary will be satisfied with 
your heart? Oh, you stupid, silly child! You should take some 
other gift instead, for instance money or golden articles 
and the like. 

SEPI: (Smoothing Margaret's face) Or else a kiss like this. 
(Kisses her). 

MARGARET: (Pushes Sepi back) For shame! You say 
you are good men and yet you annoy a poor girl. 

MEFISTO: 

Doesen't my little pet like to be kissed? What? Suppose I 
asked for your heart, what would you do? You see, my little 
lamb, I am not so modest in my demands as my friend, I want 
your heart. 

ROBBERS ALTOGETHER : Mef isto must have gone crazy. 
Nothing is farthest from our thoughts, than to have a women 
amongst us. 

MEFISTO: 

Captain, I plead for this maiden's heart. Give her to me. 

SIGFRITD: ' 

Ask her, not me. 

MEFISTO: 

With booty we always split decently, don't we Cap; for 
there is honor amongst thieves. But you can't divide a girl, so 
we will either have to draw lots for her, or else you decide to 
whom you will give her. I am waiting for your answer. 

SIGFRITD: 

I said, if it is her heart you want, you will have to ask 



24 THE PILGRIMS 



herself. If it is only the girl, the others must have a say in it too. 
But it will best to let her go her way, because womenkind al- 
ways bring trouble — never luck. At least, they have never 
brought me luck. Let her go on her way. 

MEFISTO : 

What, let her go ! I should say not ! Let me speak to her I'm 
sure she Won't look down on me, such a good-looking handsome 
chap. 

Mefisto's Song Duett. 

MEFISTO : Have you ever seen such a handsome chap ? 
MARGARET: Handsome I've seen, you deserve a slap! 
MEFISTO: Have you ever loved, or for loving 

craved ? 
MARGARET: I know a mad man, who for such things 

raved. 
MEFISTO: Have you lover hugged, or happy man 

kissed? 
MARGARET: No, tell me please, sir, is it much I mis- 
sed? 
MEFISTO : My sweet heav'nly saint, is your heart still 

free? 
MARGARET: God's my heavenly saint, he, yes, only 

He. 
MEFISTO: I doi not ask who is your saint in haven, 

is there one whom your love you've given ? 
MARGARET: My heart loves a brave, a gallant 

woodman. 
To him I will be ti'ue, as true I can ! 
MEFISTO: Curse your pretty face, you young tiger 

cat. 
Cell you'l never see, take my word for that'. 

MEFISTO: (Grabs Margaret'^ hands in one hand, with 

other hand he draws fourth his dagger, forces it 

into her heart, .turns dagger around heart, and 

- cuts heart from hear breast. Margaret does not 

faint, but screams — then. 

MARGARET: 

Blessed Mother, help me! 



THE PILGRIMS 



25 



MEFISTO: 

Here is is your heart. . . take it to Mary. Or give it to to that 
brave, handsome woodman. Now you can go to Cell. Hold your 
apron so that I can throw your heart into it. Never let me see 
you again. Begone ! 

End of the Second Act. 

ACT THREE. 

(The background represents the facade of the church of the 
Mary cf Cell. The enormous double doors of the church upon 
opening reveal the inside contours of the church. Upon an altar- 
like platfoi-m in a halo of light, stands the statue of Mary, (a 
living statue) . Both sides of the stage represent a fair of carni- 
val and are suitably decorated. On one side there is the tent of a 
fortune-teller. Upon the rise of the curtain, one behods the pil- 
grims and other curiosty-seeking people, and many beggars.) 

SCENE I. 

Lads and lasses, with aiTtis linked together sing. 

Jewels and sweets on every side beholding, 
With luxuries rare we fill our wond'ring eyes, 
Yet joyously into church we are hastening. 
To get our true happiness right from the skies. 

Refrain : 
Yet joyously, etc. 

SWEETMEAT VENDER: 

Stop, Look ! Here you can buy all sorts of magic channs and 
potions. Buy something now no others like them. In this istall are 
the prettiest novelties, .the very best candy, the sweedest ho- 
ney. Only five coppers, . . five pennies. 

SWEETMEAT VENDER'S SONG: 

Come and buy my candy and my honey sweet. 
You will find they are a rare, a handsome treat, 
Forbidden sweets they are best, but, say I 
You'll find my sweets are sweeter, when them you try. 

CIRCUS-CRIER: 

Come one, come all, come see the wonders, all the freaks, 



26 THE PILGRIMS 



all the curiosities ! Today you must pay, but to-morrow it will be 
free. Isn't that good business? To-morrow — free . To-day pay. 
To-morrow free! 

A BOY AND A GIRL: 

THE BOY: 

Sweetheart ,we must see this. (To crier) I say Mister, is 
it the truth when you say that if we pay to-day we may see it 
again for ncthing to-morrow? 

THE CRIER: 

It is the truth ! Me lying ! I. Why should I lie ? I would no 
more lie than an unborn baby. 

THE GIRL: 

Well, then, perhaps we will go in but not until we get a writ- 
ten statement about its being free to-morrow! 

THE BOY: 

Give mi a written statement that the show is free to-day; 
to-morrow we pay! 

THE CIRSUS-CRIER: 

What ! What in thunder do you mean ! ! Free to-day, , to-mor- 
row pay ! What, youngster, you would get the best of me, would 
you ? What do you thing my circus is a fake ? Off with you ! 

CIRCUS-CRIER'S SONG: 

You've plenty of time before to church you go, 
To stop and see my great and marvellous show. 
Step inside and see the giant snake so long 
He could encircle this whole holiday throng. 
Walk in, ladies and gentlemen, and see the big snake. He 
measui-es fifty feet from head to tail, thirty feet from tail to 
head. Step in and see this wonderful snake for the small sum of 
five cents. 

AN OLD MAID : 

Well ,1 declare! He said the snake measures fifty feet from 
head to tail and thirty feet from tail to head . . M^hat became of 
the remaining twenty feet? 

A WOMAN: 
Ask him! 



THE PILGRIMS 



OLD MAID: 

Say, mister, what become of the snake's remaining twenty 
feet. 

CIRSUS-CRIER: 

Now, there, you are a clever woman! What became of it?? 
Why, he ate part of his tail while we were measuring it. (Aside) 
(Would he had eaten you instead.) 

A SOLDIER AND HIS GIRL. 

THE SOLDIER: 

Let us get away from here, Mary. These fellows are fakirs. 
Let us get along. Look, there is a fortune teller. She may be 
smarter, than this other fakir. 

THE GIRL : (To the fortune-teller) 

Are you the famous fortune-teller who fore tells the future ? 
Was it you who told Sue whom she was going to many ? Tell me 
when my wedding will be take place and who my husband will 
be ? If you tell me, I will gladly pay the fee ! 

FORTUNE-TELLER: 

I do not know whether I am a famous or not, but I am no 
fakir ! I always speak, the truth. You ask who your husband is to 
be — whether a soldier or a civilian ; the answer is easy if you 
consult your own heart. 

Fortune-teller's Song: 
Come into my tent, your fortune I'll reveal. 
Show me but your palm, there will I read with skill 
Whom you will love and when your wedding will be 
Al questions will I answer, for a small fee. 
(To the sound of trumpets and the ringing of the church 
bells, a king enters the church, surrounded by his y^outhful and 
noble pages. At the doors of the church, his entrance is hindered 
by the beggars singing their Beggar's Chorus Song.) 
MUSIC: Trumpets and bells or chim.es. 

Beggar's Song: 
To the great King, noblest in this big city. 
We stretch fourth our weak, our cripled, shaking arms 
Hoping for your kind aid and gracious pity 
Pity us, oh mighty king, and give us alms! 



28 THE PILGRIMS 



(The king and his attendants scatter money amongst the 
beggars and the poor people — then the double doors of the 
church swing open and the king and his attendants enter while 
the music and church chimes continue to play. After the ent- 
rance of the king and his train, the church doors close again, 
leaving the people, the serwants, beggars, etc. outside.) 

SCENE II. 

TWO POLICEMEN: Drummer 

Everybody must go away from here now for the holy cere- 
mony is about to begin. 

TOWN-DRUMMER : 

I have the following announcement to make: 
"His Royal Highness, Louis, the noble ruler of the Hunga- 
rians, having himself visited the seat of Mary of Cell pilg- 
rimage, has graciously donated twenty-five dollars for each 
needy person of this region, and he has commanded that they be 
fed and clothed at his expense during the time of the ceremony. 
And, added to this, he wishes to have it announced that he will 
have a large church built here this spring for the glorification of 
the Mother of God. Altogether now, let us cheer the King. Long 
live our King — Louis, — our King!" 

THE PEOPLE: 

Long live Louis, our King! 

THE POLICEMEN: 

You people and all these venders must leave here now,. If 
you try to do business or make noise, you will be jailed. Quickly 
now, take down your tents and hurry away. 

THE PEOPLE: 

We can't go away, Sir, we can't. Our feet seems rooted to the 
ground — we can't go no matter how hard we try. 

AN OLD BEGGAR: 

Mr. Commissary ! I have been here for many long years, but 
I was never so overpowered. To-day we will not yray in the 
church, but here under the skies. To-day we will behold the 
wonder-working Virgin. 

What is that beggar saying ? We are going to pray out here, 
are we? Well, I'll see to that! (Lays hold of beggar) 



THE PlIiGRIMS 29 



(Beggar's song:) 
With joy my heart o'erflows, joy fills rny quirering 

breast ; 
Unknown pleasure waiting; unknown happiness too! 
To-day will sadness end, to-day the weary rest ; 
I know not how or why, I only know 'tis true. 

CHORUS: 
To-day will sadness end, etc. 

THE PEOPLE: 

We will not leave here! Right hero in the streets will 
we stay and wait to see what is to happen. 

THE POLICEMAN: 

Well, so be it — but the hawkers must go. Take down your 
tents and go — there must be no buying or selling of any kind du- 
ring the ceremony! Look at the fortune-teller — she takes no 
heed of us but just gazed into her crystal ball. . . now see how 
startled she is . . . how glad she is for something. Come, 
let us drive her away. Worthless vagabond . . . cheating this poor 
people. Avv^ay with her! 

POLICEMAN: (To fortune-teller) 

Leave here! The people have had enough of your lies and 
cheatings for one day. Pack up your -traps and go ! 

FORTUNE-TELLER: 

But sir. you have no idea of what has happened. Could you, 
but see what I saw, you would not drive me away. 

POLICEMAN: 

You can't fool us! We are wise to these tricks. Comie away 
with you and depart in peace, or else you shall be jailed! 

EOURTUNE-TELLER : 

Only hear me ; hear me, please. This is no joke nor idle talk. 

Song: 
Within this crystal clear I see a dreadful sight 
One to make strong men weep and gentle women faint. 
The Lord God punish me with all his powerful might 
If lies I speak while to you this vision I paint ! 

A pretty maid with joyful heart I behold, 
Hast'ning thru the forest to this sacred place ; 



;^0 THE PILGRIMS 



But suddenly in her path come robbers bold 
Hardened men, not soft'ning to a pretty face. 

Where are you hurrying and what do you bring? 

They shout at her in manner to such men meet. 
To the Virgin of Cell, and I bring nothing 
But a true loving heart to lay at her feet. 

Angered by her words, one most wicked of them all 
Pierced the maid's breast and tore out the bleeding 

heart, 

"Take then, your heart to Mary", and he let fall 
Her heart into her apron. "And now,, depart." 

And strange to say, the maid never falls nor dies 
But walks toward Cell, in her eyes a holy light. 
The robbers gaze speechless ; wonder fills their eyes, 
As they gaze upon this strange, this mystic sight. 

THE PEOPLE: 

A Miracle! The old beggar's intuition was well- founded! 

A POLICEMAN: 

I, myself, think we had better let these people be, and let us 
hurry off to capture the robbers. 

SCENE HL 

OLD BEGGAR: 

Come, do not stand staring at one another, but let us form 
a triumphal arch in honor of this maid who is bringing her 
heart to Mary. Separate, and allow her to pass between us ! 
Those who have flowers, let us strew them in her path! Hark, 
listen ! What is that ? The bells of the churches are ringing ! Oh 
God, oh God, abide with me and let me in my old age, see the 
power and the light of thy Glory. No — I cannot endure this! 
Friends, let us fall on our knees and pray. 

(Soft Music) 

SCENE IV. 
(The people hasten out of church) 
AN OLD MAN: 

What has happened here to-day, that you kneel here and 
pray? 



THE PILGRIMS 81 



I 



THE OLD BEGGAR: 

Youl will soon find out. 

(The King and his court appear on the scene) 

KING: 

I cannot explain what draws me out here. I cannot find 
words to express my emotions. Look in the distance? What a 
dazzling spectacle! Oh my, people, tell me what you see? Tel? 
me if my eyes do deceive me ! 

THE PEOPLE: 

A miracle! A miracle! A women is carrying her heart. . . 
her bleeding heart! 

THE KING: 

Amiracle! A miracle! Everyone can behold it, but the 
priest. . . he has remained in church. I will inform him of the 
miracle. (Exit King) 

SCENE V. 

MARGARET: (Sings) 

Hear me, Holy Mother, from your throne on high 
Heal Thou my heart, torn from out my suff'ring breast, 
Look down at me from heav'n, else soon I shall die 
Holy Virgin, Mother of the sore distressed. 

(The doors of the church swing open . . . the Blessed Virgin 
steps down from her altar, the king and the priest come out of 
the church). 

THE BLESSED VIRGIN: (Sings) l 

Arise sweet maiden, God has hearkened to your 

prayer sincere; 
He bade me cure the loving heart you sacrf ieced for me ; 
And happiness he sends you, too, by one so very dear; 
Your every prayer has answered been, your mother 

now can see. 

(Explanation) :~ Immediately after her song, The Blessed 
Virgin disappears bt^nx'nd the church doors that had remained 
open. Then the church doors close. The rest of the people remain 
on the scene. Margaret looks about bewildered. She sees Valen- 
tine leading her mother to her. 



THE PTIiGRIMS 



MARGARET : 

What do I see ! Mo-ther . . . Valentine . . . what broug-ht you 
here? How did you get here? 

VALENTINE: 

My darhng Margaret! I must confess to you that when I 
left you toi do my sacred duty, that duty was none other than to 
inform the police of the plans of my fellow robbers to rob the 
Cell pilgiirnc and to kill the innocent people. And it is because. I 
have seen you and loved you that I decided to this thing, for I 
realized that their plan was a very wicked and frightful one. It 
was my love for you that showed me how wrong it was. , . so 
I decided to prevent it. 

MARGARET: 

But then, you too are a robber! 

VALENTINE : 

I was a robber, .but I am a robber no longer. In that mo- 
ment when 3^ou explained to me what a girl is, what a treasure 
one gains who gains a loving helpmate for life, I decided to end 
my career as a robber. 

MARGARET : 

But how did my mother get here? How did you bring her 
along with you? 

MARTHA : 

Dear child, before I answer your questions, look at me. 

MARGARET: 

Mother, dear, dear mother! Why, your eyes are cpen, you 
can see, can't you ? Oh, good Lord, you have heard my pleadings. 

MARTHA: 

Yes, my child, the good Lord has heard your prayers. I can 
see, my eyes are whole again. Now, I shall tell you how I hap- 
pened to meet him, Valentine, whom it seems is to be your bet- 
rothed, and my son. Soon after you left, Valentine came to our 
home to inquire about you. I told him you had left for the 
shrine at Cell alone. Valentine was alarmed. "Not alone"? he 
asked. ''But yes, indded, alone," I answered. Then he told me 
about the rolbers' plans to rob the pilgrims. He started to hur- 



THE PIL,GRIM3 



ly after you but I wanted to go too. He tried to discourage me, 
but when he knew that it was useless, he consented to let me ac- 
company him. Thank god, that you reached here in safety ! 

THE FORTUNE-TELLER: 

In safety ? if you but know how she come here ? 

MARTHA : 

How? 

THE FORTUNE-TELLER: 

The people hawe already heard. . . but I will tell it again. 

THE PRIEST: 

No, my beloved ones, this is my duty! (To Margaret) 
Dear child! God does not work miracles openly; what is 
more, if unbelivers would wait for a miracle before believing. . 
they would wait for enternity! But at times God discloses his 
power over the laws of nature and rules and ovecomes these 
laws. So, to-day, we behold a miracle happen to a simple and 
unsuspecting child. (To Martha) : Good woman! Your daughter 
fell into the hands of robbers, and the robbers, seeing that she 
carried nothing of value about her, became enraged. In their 
fury, they cut out her heart and cast it into her apron and 
scornfully bade her take that to Mary of Cell. The mother of 
God turned to her holy Son and asked Him not to permit nature 
to be the victor over this child ; to preserve her life instead, and 
to allow her, the Blessed Virgin herself, to put back the girl's 
heart with her own hands. Then the Holy Mother decended from 
her throne ! A great force urged the King and the people 
to leave the church ... I myself stopped the holy mass and 
coming out saw the Biassed Virgin as she held your child's 
heart. Behold, your child is whole and healthy. 

MARGARET: 

But, reverend Father, I asked from the Blessed Virgin an- 
other favor. I asked that my mother who has blind, should have 
her sight restored! 

THE PRIEST 

That I did not know. Let your mother now speak to us ! 

MARTHA: 

I can not tell, what happened ! Twenty years .ago a dread 



34 THE PILGRIMS 



ful plague spread in our distiict. After this sickness I lost the 
sight of my eyes, and became blind. Well, I started on my jour- 
ney to this place . . . Valentine was leading- me . . . and now I see 
here my daugh-ter and all the holiday crowd. That is all I know, 
but I thank Gk)d for visiting me, giving- me back my sight ! I his 
humble servant! 

THE PRIEST: 

It is o.:ly rig'ht af ^cr boholding- these miracles, to give 
thanks to Gcd for his mercy. Let us return to church and the 
U- finished mass and give to God our heartfelt thanks! 

SCENE VII. 

(Singing is heard off-stage.) 

Now, at last, in slumber, etc. etc! 

THE PRIEST 

What singing is that? 

(Policemen enter leading the robbers who are chained and 
hand-cuffed. As the robbers face the church, they bow their 
heads and cast themselwes down upon the ground). 

THE SHERIFF: 

Reverend Father! These scoundrels wanted to rob the 
pilgrims who were on their way to Cell, and to kill the innocent 
and helpless woman an children. We are able to prevent this 
awful deed with the aid of a respectable member of their own 
band. We have arrested them all. They all resigned themselves 
to their fate but one ... he pumped over cliff and wass killed. 

ONE OF THE ROBBERS : 

He was the worst amongst us. It was he who planned the 
Cell robbery and massacre. It was he, Mephisto. 

A POLICEMEN: 

And the respectable member of the robber band was Va" 
lentine ! 

EVERYBODY: 
Valentine ? 

THE SHERIFF: 

Well, we brought them here to the scene of the rob- 



THE PILGRIMS 



bery because the authorities decreed that they be hanged. But 
before the execution, it is customary to gratify their last wishes. 
But here comes the hangman. Let him tell why we are here. 

The Hangman's song. 

To be a hangman it is no cinch, is no cinch, 
I choke the life from the criminal, inch by inch, 
With a great big tug I hoist him high, hoist him high, 
And that is as near as he can get to the sky. 

I scorn at using the guillotine, guillotine, 
Why I have power to r i o a man high above a queen. 
At a hanging I'm Johnny on the spot on the spot, 

I am willing to prove it. if you think I'am not. 

And yet a kind-hearted soul am I, that am I, 
And these men's wishes I'll fulfill before they die, 
Their wishes were to come to Cell each and every one, 

And Cell, they will net leave until my job is done. 

THE HANGMAN: 

They planned to come here. Well now they are here, but not 
quite as they expected. 

THE PRIEST : 

Ah. I underfland! This is their last wish. (To robbers) 
Why did you want to come ho'e? Answer me! 

SIGFRIED: The chief of the robbers. 

FaLher, our betrayer is my witness that I always opposed 
murder. My ha^:ds, with the exeption of one well'dsei-ve m^urder 
are free from blood-stains. The guiltiest and most wicked of our 
I:a:.d is no longer with us. . . he has gone to his enternal pu- 
nishment. We beg for mercy! If we cannot gain mercy, than at 
least let us, sinful though we be, kiss the feet of the Blessed 
Virgin. 

VALENTINE : 

Have mercy on them ! Have mercy on them ! 

THE PRIEST: (To king) 

Your Royal Highness! Will you p.nrdon them!!! 



3G THE PILGRIMS 



THE KING: 

They will find mercy only in God. They may offer up their 
souls to Him but their bodies will receive the deserved punish- 
ment. 

THE PRIEST: (sings) 

Oh King, to whom God gave power and glory, 
Have you forgotten the Bible story? 
When the son of God forgave the thief on the cross? 
How can you then these men's petitions from you toss ? 

'Tis by Divi::e Right from God you enjoy, being here, 
No misery you know, nor sight of tear. 

By that Divine Right geve your pardon to these men 
And each will be a true,, a loyal citizen. 

THE KING: 

So let it be then! I pardon them here, whjre acts of mercy 
a"d miracbs take place! Unlock their handcuffs and let them 
be kept in this place as reminders of what has happened to-day 
and as a memorial of their redemption and pardon. 

THE PRIEST: 

And row let us all give thanks to God and to the Blessed 
Virgin. 

SONG: 

Holy Virgin, etc. 



THE END. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESJ 



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